Proverbs 23:2 (NLT)
“If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat.”

Protecting your Presence

The word for today is Self-Discipline. Solomon is giving us a lesson in decorum and discernment. When you are invited to a grand event or find yourself in the presence of someone prestigious, the temptation is to indulge fully and satisfy every craving. Wisdom says: Don’t.
The writer uses the concept of gluttony. In the Greek context, we look at the word Tepes, which speaks to the seat of one’s cravings or appetites. Do not allow your Tepes to make a fool of you. The instruction to “put a knife to your throat” isn’t a call to self-harm; it is a vivid metaphor for cutting your appetite off. The undisciplined person is prone to ruin critical opportunities—a promotion, a business venture, a relationship, or a divine appointment—all because they couldn’t control their immediate desires. Success is often lost not for lack of talent, but for lack of discipline.

The Practice

P.A.D Your Life

1. Downsize the Greed
We often eat (and consume) for preference rather than preservation. We have shifted from eating for need to eating for greed. A fresh start requires us to audit our consumption. Are you taking more than you need? Are you consuming things just because they are available? Discipline begins with the ability to say “enough.”
2. The Secret of the Delay
Paul revealed the secret of living in Philippians 4:12: he knew how to live with everything and how to live with nothing. The secret is delayed gratification. You do not have to have everything now. When you put your complete trust in the Lord, you gain the confidence to wait. You can pass up the “appetizer” of the world because you know the Father has a “feast” prepared for your future.
3. P.A.D. Your Discernment
There is more happening around you than just your own desires. To survive and thrive in high-level environments, you must P.A.D. your life: Pay Attention to Details. * Pay Attention: Be sensitive to the actions of your host and the energy of the room.
 * Details: The Holy Spirit will direct you, warn you, and even stop you if you are daily surrendering your will to Him. As John 16:13 promises, the Spirit of Truth will guide you into all truth—He will even show you what is coming.

Today’s Declaration

“I am the master of my appetites; my cravings do not master me. I choose self-discipline over instant gratification. I will P.A.D. my life today, paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s leading and the details of my environment. I cut off the greed so I can focus on the Godly.”

Your discipline determines your distance. Today is a great day to make a Fresh Start!
God bless,
+Pastor Kris